Consequences: What If Saddam Pulls Out?

Iraq will emerge with its military substantially defanged, if not yet completely tamed, but its menacing President might keep his job

The first word of Iraq's peace proposal last week touched off rapturous celebrations in Baghdad, expressions of relief mixed with skepticism from allied troops and burgeoning peace hopes around the world. At the White House, however, there was surprise at the move and concern that a hastily arranged cease-fire might scuttle Washington's goal of neutralizing the Iraqi military and toppling Saddam Hussein. By attaching impossible conditions to the | proposal, Baghdad ensured that it would be rejected by the coalition and that hostilities would continue -- for now. But Saddam may soon find it necessary, particularly after the start of a...

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